Increasing by Successive Additions: Cumulative refers to something that is increasing or growing in quantity, strength, or effect through a series of successive additions or gradual steps. 【1】【2】
Producing an Accumulating Effect: Cumulative describes an effect or result that builds up or accumulates over time, becoming greater or more significant through the successive additions or repetition of something. 【3】【4】
Adding Together All Parts: Cumulative can also mean that all the individual parts or elements are being added together to produce a total or overall result. 【5】【6】
Involving Prior Claims or Payments: In some financial contexts, cumulative refers to interest, dividends, or other payments that, if not paid when due, become a prior claim for future payment. 【7】
Contrasted with Isolated or Immediate Effects: Cumulative is often used to distinguish effects or changes that build up over time, rather than being isolated or immediately apparent. 【3】【8】
In summary, “cumulative” describes something that increases, accumulates, or adds up through successive iterations or repetitions, producing a greater overall effect or result over time, in contrast to isolated or immediate impacts. 【6】【9】
[1] Cumulative Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
[2] CUMULATIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
[3] Cumulative effect Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
[4] Cumulative - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com
[5] CUMULATIVE TOTAL definition and meaning - Collins Dictionary
[6] Cumulative Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
[7] CUMULATIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
[8] Learn about cumulative effects - Open Science and Data Platform
[9] cumulative adjective - Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries